Creative Immersion Retreat
Optional "homework"
Warm-up Ideas
If you are itching to start BEFORE the trip, I simply suggest looking and doing! Some ideas include:
Sketch Draw 15 minutes a day for a few days. Topics can be simple…your morning cup of joe, a shoe, your hand. All you’re doing is warming up! No judgment, please. You can also sketch on the plane! Look Look through a book or two. This can be just to see images that might feed your visual senses. It might be a book with specific exercises. I was on the lookout for a new book for one of my seminar classes and came across a couple that might be of interest to one or two of you. They are both light - in content and weight, but might still be a good warm-up read. Artist’s Journal Workshop, Cathy Johnson (on Amazon) I’m going to require this one in my seminar, as it gives beginning level folks ideas on and methods for interpreting experiences in a journal. This might be of interest to workshop participants. Some might want to maintain a casual visual journal in addition to the other work we do. Artist’s Sketchbook, Cathy Johnson (on Amazon). I see where this could demystify the idea of working on site, wake some visual senses, or just provide little exercises one can do to warm up. (I’ve even been known to do some of these in the airport or on a plane.) |
Inspiration
Bring a quote you find inspirational. This can be two words, a sentence, a paragraph, a whole poem. It can be historic or from pop music or literature or your neighbor… It can inspire because it is spiritual, meditative, creative, helps you face challenges or simply helps you get on your feet to move through a day. Many of us have these gems tucked into our lives. If you have one to share, please bring that along.
Design + Abstraction
I pulled these links in response to some earlier questions. I’m including them, in case it is of interest to others. They are brief, but serve to introduce or remind about ways of viewing.
Elements + Principles of Design
Elements are the most basic pieces within art that are combined, with principles. These are very fundamental terms, and the videos are somewhat elementary. But I think they are informative...and not overwhelming. Elements and Principles of Design Simple, pretty elementary. Design Elements and Principles of Visual Art Actually, a lesson/lecture for a classroom The Rules of Abstract Art This link is to the first of 6 15 minute BBC sessions. One or more of these might be of interest. |